Suddenly Sami, Uncovering the Sami Connection, Is November 3

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University Finnish American
Heritage Center will present a program titled "Uncovering the Sámi Connection"
on Thursday, November 3, 2011, starting at 6:00 p.m.

The short film, "Suddenly Saami," will be shown. The film is
about a Norwegian woman who learns as an adult that her family is ethnic Sámi.

Informal discussion will follow, led by Becky Hoekstra,
James Kurtti, and Eileen Sundquist. Discussion topics will include the ways in
which Sámi heritage is forgotten, even hidden, among Nordic and Nordic-American
families, and how this heritage is being rediscovered and reclaimed today.

The use of gakti, Sámi traditional clothing, will be a key
focus of this group. Community members are encouraged to share their own
stories of becoming "suddenly Sami," as well as their own gakti, photos, and
other related items.

The event is free and open to the public. The Finnish
American Heritage Center is located on the campus of Finlandia University at
435 Quincy St., Hancock.

For additional information, contact Hilary Virtanen, programming
coordinator for the Finnish American Heritage Center, at 906-487-7505.